How can I stop falling asleep during TV/movies? Does anyone else have this problem?
Asked by
Emilyy (
2133
)
October 16th, 2008
I work 9:30 to 6pm M-F and when I get out I usually eat a little something, but not a lot (because that would make me more sleepy). I try to eat pretty healthily overall, but that doesn’t always work. I don’t exercise as much as I’d like (was an athlete in college but don’t have much time for it now), but I enjoy being active when I can (sometimes bike to work, go on occasional rides around town, hike, etc). I’m about average in size—I’m 5“7’ and about 145–150 lbs (fluctuates). I usually sleep about 7–8 hours each night. I’m not a big TV person, but my guy is a screenwriter so a couple nights a week we usually watch a few shows together. But if it’s after 9pm or so, I have such a hard time staying awake when he and I are watching TV. I can’t remember the last time I’ve made it all the way through a movie while on the couch (this doesn’t happen in theaters). I’ve tried chewing gum, drinking coffee, twiddling my thumbs, etc. But basically, if I’m on the couch and the TV is on, I’m usually zonked within 45 minutes max, no matter what we’re watching. Help!
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18 Answers
Try standing up from time to time.
I have the exact same problem whenever I’m in an “important” meeting.
my mom has the same problem, she aaaalways falls asleep. funny thing is she can never sleep at night, always wakes up at like 3am and everything.
but try doing those torso twist things, or just stretching every once in a while as you watch the movie.
More exercise would probably help : ) It’s amazing how much extra energy you’ll have! I used to think I got enough exercise, then I started doing a LOT more, and the results have been amazing. I feel so much better mentally and physically and find that I can do a lot more activities in one day instead of getting into a lazy/tired zone. Aim for 3–4 days a week of real exercise, not just commuting by bike. Then go up to 4–5 days a week. I am now at 5–6 days a week and feel addicted. I hate going a day without exercise!
I do, It is because I’m getting old :s
Do you wake up and spring out of bed in the morning? Does your productivity fall off in the afternoon? If so, you are probably an early bird, and it’s just your body clock. Crashing around 9 is normal for people who wake up early and go go go.
My gf is the same way. She’s up hours before I am, but invariably is asleep on the couch by 9 or 9:30. We resolved it by me basically learning to accept (and expect) it and learning not to worry about it. I also did some reading about the differences between night owls and early birds and talking about that with her helped. Neither of us has changed our schedules, though.
Lots of issues could be involved including the state of your mental health (are you truly happy in your work and personal life?)
Skipping those, however, falling asleep while being “active” usually means one or two things:
The activity is exceedingly boring and your body/mind would just as soon tune it out, or
You are tired and really should go to bed.
@keybo also raises a good point
eat sunflower seeds or popcorn.
I fall asleep all the time but I can’t sleep at night. I have fallen asleep at the dinner table literally in the middle of a sentance. I have fallen asleep at work while typing (most embarrassing!) I can not stay awake in a car unless I’m driving and even then it is a struggle. However at night time, I sleep a few hours, get up for a while and sleep a couple more hours. I rarely am able to stay asleep at night more than two hours at a time.
This pattern of non sleep is driving me crazy. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Sorry I didn’t really answer the fluther question…..
My grandfather never watched an entire movie in his life. He had narcolepsy and was on medication.
I wish I could help, but I am the same way! I gave uop trying to stay awake. I joined netflix so i can keep movies as long as i want, and have to try 3 times to see the whole thing sometimes. I quit trying to fight it, and I now use movies to fall alseeep at night, ha ha!!
Maybe if you sit up instead of watching on the couch it would help. Good luck hiun!
It’s possible you need more sleep at night or a better quality sleep. Do you sleep thru the night? Do you toss and turn? Itcould be anything from a lousey mattress to noise keeping you up.
Yeah, all the time. Usually when I watch a lot of movies or if I’m comfortable. If I smoke pot before and during, it’s a sure thing I’ll fall asleep.
Get a treadmill and walk while you watch ‘yer flick?!
@sndfreQ Yeah! And hook up a generator to it to power the tv, so if you slows down the it turns off. You’ll be fit, and save on your electric bill at the same time!
You should really re-examine your diet. The fact that you’re falling alseep has little to do with what you’re watching and more to do with the fact that you’re sitting and comfortable and it’s the end of the day. These kind of energy/motivation type issues are very often connected to your diet. You should check out a book called The Glycemic-Load Diet (link)
It could really help. And obviously getting regular exercise will do wonders for your energy levels as well.
Do you have diabetes? That condition can cause fatigue, a lot of it.
exercise while you watch tv. it will give you more energy and help you sleep well later on.
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